updated 10:10 am EDT, Thu May 11, 2006

Second NYC Apple store

Apple's flagship store in Manhattan, the company's second, will open on May 19, the fifth anniversary of the opening of the first Apple retail store. The company today updated its website with details on the grand opening of the 20,000-square foot retail store along with a countdown and a computer rendition of the "Cube," a hollow $9 million 32-foot glass cube designed and paid for by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The glass cube is visible from street level and sits above the subterranean Apple retail store, which is located on Fifth Avenue in the underground concourse of the General Motors building. The company is expected to keep the store open 24-hours a day, although Apple has not confirmed this. Apple's SoHo location recently served its five millionth customer.

Apple said that the opening, at which Jobs may make an appearance, will take place at 6 p.m. The Apple Store, Fifth Avenue is located at 767 Fifth Avenue at 59th Street.

"Celebrate the grand opening of the new Apple Store, Fifth Avenue. Win great prizes. Get a commemorative t-shirt," Apple's Web page says, inviting users to join them for the event. "Be one of the first to experience our amazing new store. We look forward to seeing you."

The company had initially hoped to open its second Manhattan in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, but was unable to obtain approvals for its proposed store front. Another report indicates Apple is expected to open a third Manhattan store in the 30,000-foot five-story building on West 34th street.